Controversial Florida Rep. Fabián Basabe won his party’s primary election last week and now faces, arguably, the toughest opponent of his young political career.
Basabe, in his first term representing Miami Beach based House District 106, easily defeated Melinda Almonte, 3,077 votes (62%) to 1,891 votes (38%), to claim the Republican nomination. With the win, Basabe moves on to a showdown against Democrat Joe Saunders, a former state representative and well-known LGBTQ rights activist.
“With a Republican supermajority in Tallahassee, it is more important than ever to have a representative who can get things accomplished that meet the needs of our district,” Basabe said in a press release. “I have proven that I can successfully navigate the complexities of state politics with real results; and while others may promise change, I am the only one with the experience and relationships to deliver the wins on our environment, taxes and business climate that our communities deserve.”
But the former New York City playboy and reality television actor has been dogged by rumors of sexual misconduct. Although a House investigation cleared Basabe of any wrongdoing, two former male aides have come forward with fresh allegations of sexual battery.
Saunders, meanwhile, is pummeling Basabe on fundraising with $186,914 in contributions and another $74,336 in-kind donations. At last report, Basabe had raised $44,574 with $7,715 in-kind donations. He also loaned his campaign $250,000.
Complicating the race is a third candidate, who does not live in the district and is the estranged aunt of Saunders.
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